by MARTY ZIER
Sports contributor
School spirit was out in full force during Orcas High School’s Homecoming. In addition to games during the week, high school students gathered on Oct. 18 for an assembly that featured dancing, lip synching, games and a disco dance number from teachers. A parade through Eastsound followed the festivities.
The Viking football team (3-4) let a solid first half performance slip away against the Seattle Lutheran Saints (2-4) in a shocking loss last Saturday at Dahl Field.
Orcas opened a methodical first quarter with a Miles Harlow interception leading a few plays later to a 25-yard touchdown pass to receiver Gage Harlow. Despite the extra point being blocked, Jack Russillo lined up a few minutes later, nailing a 46-yard field goal.
Viking quarterback Miles and Gage teamed up for another 28-yard touchdown pass plus a two-point conversion, dominating the first quarter 17-0.
Momentum continued in the second quarter as Miles padded his lead with a 35-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Randolph, ending an impressive first half 24-0 after a Russillo extra point.
This game was in the bag, right? Not so fast.
With 5:08 remaining in the third quarter, the Saints took advantage of good field position and ended a short drive with a four-yard touchdown run. Shifting momentum in the game, the Saints blocked a sure 16 yard Viking field goal, ending the quarter down 24-7.
The Saints scored again with 9:33 left in the forth quarter but missed the extra point, closing the gap to 23-13. After a series of penalties stalled Orcas drives, the Saints converted on a Viking interception with an amazing one-handed 20 yard touchdown catch. The two-point conversion failed, but the Saints narrowed the Viking lead to 24-19 with 6:13 left.
Penalties again stymied Viking drives and with 1:43 left in the game, the Saints completed the winning 30-yard touchdown pass along with a two-point conversion, capturing the game 27-24 with an impressive comeback effort.
Volleyball
The Viking girls Volleyball team (5-6) split the week with a win at home against the Concrete Lions (4-7) and a loss on the road to the Mt. Vernon Christian Hurricanes (8-5).
On Oct. 15, the Vikings had a tough time against the Lions, losing the first game 25-21. The Vikings came back to win games two and three, but the Lions had more fight in them for game four. Alicia Susol opened game four with five straight aces, forcing Concrete to call a timeout. Orcas led as much as 21-14, but the Lions combined strong serving and unforced Viking errors to tie the game 21-21. The Vikings and Lions traded the lead to a 27-27 tie after Kilee Rogers and Bella Nigretto serving kept Orcas in the game to the roar of the Orcas crowd. Vikings finally stretched two points ahead, winning 29-27.
On Thursday, the Vikings lost three straight games to the Hurricanes.
“It went a lot better than I thought,” said Coach Gregg Sasan. “We passed and served a lot better. Now it’s time to put it all together. We did a much better job today but need to work on our hitting.”
Girls soccer
The Vikings girls soccer team (2-6) picked up a win against the Concrete Lions (0-9) and a tough fought loss against the M.t Vernon Christian Hurricanes (6-6).
On Oct. 15, the Vikings beat the Concrete Lions 3-1 at home. Viking Shelbi Rogers had a couple early close shots on goal but after an Orcas corner kick, Rogers uncorked a deep shot high in the net, making the score 1-0. Orcas finished the half with a another goal after a long a pass from Aliza Diepenbrock to Adia Dolan, who finished the play with a perfect shot on goal, giving Orcas a 2-0 lead. Orcas added another score in the second half after Dolan maneuvered in the Lion backfield and positioned herself for a beautiful open shot. Concrete scored on a penalty kick in the second half after a push call, but the Viking defense deflected all other Concrete efforts.
On Thursday, the Vikings traveled with only 10 active players to play the Mt. Vernon Hurricanes. Although the Vikings lost 3-1, the Orcas defense played a great game, limiting the Hurricanes to only one goal in the fist half. The Hurricanes scored two more goals in the second half, but the shorthanded tireless Viking defensive was a showcase. A late game Orcas highlight was a perfect 30-yard shot by Shelbi Rogers, tagging the upper right corner of the net, putting the Vikings on the board. The team plays Friday Harbor Oct. 24 at home.
Boys soccer
by Jack Russillo
High school senior
The Vikings boys soccer team (4-8) lost a tough game 13-1 against the Grace Academy Eagles but finished the week with a 5-4 overtime win against the Cedar Park Christian Lions.
On Oct. 15, the Vikings played Grace Academy (12-1), which has had only one loss on the season. As expected, the Eagles played a complete game. Orcas scored their lone goal when William Coe slipped past the defense and sent a well-placed shot into the back of the net.
The Vikings showed flurries of offensive potential and kept the score manageable 4-1 at halftime.
Going into the second half, Viking defensive errors and miscommunications lead to the balance of the Eagles’ goals.
Opening Homecoming weekend Friday, the Vikings soccer team played the Cedar Park Christian Lions (1-9) and won 5-4 after regulation. The Vikings opened up the scoring just minutes after kickoff when William Coe tapped in a cross from freshman Henry McMurray. Minutes later McMurray sent another pass into the 18-yard box and Jack Russillo directed it into the back of the net. Before halftime, Russillo put away the third Viking goal.
Starting the second half, the Vikings came out strong as Wylie Kau juked the defense and landed one in the net. A late Lion surge of goals sent the game into overtime where McMurray passed the ball into the Lions’ defense where it was deflected into the goal to end the game.
